(1) (a)
How many personnel recently deployed to Iraq were in payment of a Department
of Veterans’ Affairs disability pension, under the Veterans’ Entitlements
Act 1986; and (b) at what level.

(2) What
physical and medical examinations were conducted prior to departure
of each person deployed to Iraq.

(3) In
the event that there is conflict between the medical assessment and
the compensation assessment, what action has been or will be taken.

1645 Senator
Bishop: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans’
Affairs—

(1) How
many: (a) dentists; (b) dental specialists; and (c) other dental health
providers, are currently registered with the department for the provision
of dental health to veterans and war widows.

(2) (a)
Have negotiations commenced with the Australian Dental Association on
a new schedule of fees; and (b) when is the schedule expected to be
finalised.

(3) (a)
How many representations have been received from dentists and others
seeking an increase in fees; and (b) in how many representations have
there been threats to refuse to treat veterans with the Gold Card.

(4) How
many dentists and other dental health providers have already withdrawn
from the scheme.

(5) For
the 2003-03 financial year; what was the cost of dental care to: (a)
Gold Card holders; and (b) White Card holders.

(6) Will
any increase in dental fees and any agreement to that effect require
Cabinet approval.

(7) Is
there any linkage between this issue and other dental fee issues as
managed by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

(8) What
advice has been provided to veterans and war widows concerning the fee
negotiations and options for treatment in the event that dental care
is denied.

1646 Senator
Bishop: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans’
Affairs—

(1) Has
the Minister’s attention been drawn to press reports of 19 July 2003
concerning the assertions made by the Friends of the 15th Brigade that
a mass grave of as many as 250 Australians killed in action at Fromelles,
France, exists on private land at Pheasant Farm.

(2) Can
the Minister confirm that almost 2 000 Australians were killed in the
battle of Fromelles in July 1916.

(3) On
how many occasions has the Friends of the 15th Brigade communicated
with the Minister’s office and the Office of Australian War Graves
(OAWG) on this matter in the past 5 years.

(4) What
specific attempts and inquiries have been undertaken to verify the assertion
that a mass grave of Australians prepared by German troops exists at
this location.

(5) What
basis does the Director of OAWG have, as reported on 19 July 2003, for
saying that ‘there is absolutely no evidence that there are 250 war
dead at this site’.

(6) What
investigations have been conducted already by the Department of Defence.

(7) What
is the current intention of OAWG with respect to the placement of a
commemorative plaque at this location, should the belief of the Friends
of the 15th Brigade be proven to have substance.

(8) Will
the Government as a matter of urgency seek the assistance of the Commonwealth
War Graves Commission to investigate the claim of the Friends of the
15th Brigade, with a view to its validation, and with a view to erecting
a commemorative plaque on the site, with the land owner’s consent.

(9) (a)
What is the current procedure relating to the search for those lost
in action and whose bodies are never recovered; and (b) does this rest
with the Department of Defence, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
or the OAWG.

(10) On
the provision of similar information on the possible location of Australian
remains abroad, whether it be in Papua New Guinea, Germany, the Middle
East or France, what is the procedure for verification, recovery and
burial.

(11) What
is the current procedure for commemoration of the burial of those located,
with respect to repatriation, travel of relatives and payment of costs.

(12) (a)
What was the total cost of the recent commemorative burial of the former
World War II Lancaster crew in Germany; and (b) who attended from Australia.